Ruqayyah Snyder
Virgin Australia offers a range of fare types for domestic and international flights, including Lite, Choice, Flex, and Business. The fare class determines the flexibility of your booking, such as the ability to make changes or upgrades, and the accumulation of points and status credits. To find your fare class, you can refer to the booking confirmation, the “Manage Booking” page, or contact Virgin Australia directly. It's worth noting that fare classes may have different codes, such as V Promo, V Deal, V Saver, and V Flexi for long-haul international flights, and these codes can impact the availability of upgrades and reward seats. Understanding your fare class is particularly useful for frequent flyers aiming to maximise their benefits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fare types | Lite, Choice, Flex, Business |
| Fare codes | F, R, X, U, A, T, S, M, B, N, Y, J, V Promo, V Deal, V Saver, V Flexi |
| Refund policy | Non-refundable in the event of a no-show, unless Virgin Australia failed to communicate flight changes |
| Name change fee | $99 for Choice fares |
| Cancellation fees | Applicable per person, per booking; not payable if entitled to a refund under Australian Consumer Law |
| Change fees | Applicable per person, per booking; not payable if entitled to a refund or alternative flight |
| Upgrade eligibility | Depends on fare type; Virgin Australia Economy Lite fares cannot be upgraded |
| Reward seats | Business Reward Seat fare code is 'Z' |
| Frequent flyer points | Velocity Frequent Flyer awards five points per dollar spent on domestic fares |
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What You'll Learn
Virgin Australia's fare rules
For instance, the Lite fare is likely Virgin Australia's most basic economy option, which may not include upgrades or changes to your booking. On the other hand, the Flex option may offer more flexibility in terms of cancellations and changes. The Business fare is likely the most premium option, offering the most inclusions and flexibility.
The fare class will also determine the possibility of upgrading your ticket. Virgin Australia's Economy Lite fares, for example, cannot be upgraded. Additionally, the fare class will impact the ticket price, with multiple fare buckets within one ticket category, each priced differently.
To find out your fare class, you can check the 'Manage Booking' page after booking your ticket. Alternatively, you can retrieve your booking on the Virgin Australia website and look under 'Fare Rules'. Knowing your fare class can help you understand what options are available to you, such as flight changes and upgrades.
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How to find your fare class
Finding your fare class can help you understand what you can and cannot do when it comes to flight changes, upgrades, cancellations, refunds, and earning points and credits. Virgin Australia fare classes are typically labelled as Lite, Choice, Flex, and Business, with some variations for international flights.
Finding your fare class before booking
If you are booking through the Virgin Australia website, you can find your fare class by clicking on the fare rules or by retrieving your booking. The fare class will also be displayed at the booking stage.
Finding your fare class after booking
If you have already booked your flight, you can find your fare class by checking your e-ticket itinerary or by logging into your account and checking your 'Manage Booking' page. If you cannot find the information you need, you can contact Virgin Australia directly for assistance.
Understanding fare classes
Fare classes are important because they determine the flexibility of your booking, including whether you can upgrade your ticket, make changes, or obtain a refund. For example, Virgin Australia Economy Lite fares cannot be upgraded, while Business and Flex fares are refundable. Fare classes also impact the price of your ticket, with multiple fare buckets within one ticket category priced at different levels.
Tools to help you find your fare class
If you are looking for a last-minute upgrade, you can use tools such as 'ExpertFlyer' to keep track of reward seat availability and set alerts.
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Fare types and flexibility
Virgin Australia offers various fare types, each with different levels of flexibility and inclusions. The four main fare types are Lite, Choice, Flex, and Business, with the latter two sometimes referred to as Saver Lite and Flexi. These fare types apply to both domestic and international flights, with some variations in the specific rules and benefits offered.
Lite fares are the most basic option, offering limited flexibility and inclusions. These tickets generally cannot be upgraded and do not include refunds or changes without incurring fees and surcharges.
Choice fares offer more flexibility than Lite fares, allowing for some changes and cancellations, although fees and surcharges may still apply. For domestic flights, Choice fares include a name change fee of $99 per person, per booking, and a $99 reissue fee for name changes.
Flex fares provide even greater flexibility, allowing for more changes and cancellations without incurring the same level of fees as the previous fare types. However, a fare difference may be payable if you change to a more expensive fare, and taxes and change fees will apply per person, per booking.
Business fares offer the highest level of flexibility and inclusions. These fares are eligible for refunds in points, although fees may apply, and they provide the best chances of being upgraded. Business fares also include benefits such as extra space, premium comforts, and priority perks.
In addition to these four main fare types, Virgin Australia also offers international fares with specific rules and benefits. These fares are subject to the Australian Consumer Law and any other applicable laws, providing certain protections to passengers. For example, if Virgin Australia cancels a flight, passengers will be moved to the next available flight to the same destination at no additional charge. If the new flight time is not suitable, Virgin Australia may arrange for travel on a service operated by another carrier, offer a travel credit, or provide a refund of the total price paid.
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Upgrading your ticket
There are three options to upgrade on your next Virgin Australia flight: UpgradeMe Points, UpgradeMe Cash Bid, and UpgradeMe Platinum Offer.
UpgradeMe Points
Velocity members with an eligible fare class can use their Velocity Points to request an upgrade on Virgin Australia Domestic Flights (excluding flights to Christmas Island and Cocos Island). Platinum members are entitled to four complimentary fare upgrades per year, from a Flex fare to a Business Class seat on Virgin Australia domestic and international short-haul flights.
UpgradeMe Cash Bid
Virgin Australia's bidding system for upgrades makes it accessible for any traveller to have a chance at upgrading to Business Class. Even on Economy Choice fares, upgrades can be as low as $65 one-way. However, be mindful that upgrades do not include a boosted luggage allowance.
UpgradeMe Platinum Offer
Velocity Platinum members can use their Platinum upgrade credits when a confirmed upgrade is available. Starting from 48 hours before departure, additional upgrade seats may become available.
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Refunds and cancellations
If Virgin Australia cancels or delays your flight, you may be entitled to a refund or travel credit. This is determined by the fare type you have booked, as cancellations and changes to your booking may attract fees and surcharges.
If you are impacted by a flight cancellation, Virgin Australia will attempt to move you to the next available Virgin Australia service in the same cabin to the same destination without charge. If this is not possible, you may be transferred to a service operated by another carrier. If no suitable alternative arrangements can be made, you may request a travel credit or refund of the price you paid for your impacted flight.
If you booked directly with Virgin Australia, contact their Customer Care team to claim a refund and/or compensation. If you booked through a travel agent, contact them directly. You will be refunded the amount you paid for the service to the extent that you have not used any part of the service. For example, if you travelled on the first flight of a return booking but were unable to be accommodated on the return flight, you would be entitled to claim a refund for the return flight only.
Virgin Australia aims to process requests for travel credits and refunds within 21 days.
You can also purchase the 'Cancel For Any Reason' product, which allows you to cancel your flight booking for any reason within the permitted time period, to receive a partial or full refund (as selected by you at the time of booking). This is only available for Economy Lite and Economy Choice fares on selected flights.
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Frequently asked questions
You can find your fare class at the booking stage. It will also be available on your 'Manage Booking' page after you've booked.
Knowing your fare class will help you understand what you can and can't do when it comes to flight changes, upgrades and more. For example, Virgin Australia Economy Lite fares cannot be upgraded.
Virgin Australia awards Status Credits on the marketing fare name (e.g. Choice, Flex) rather than individual fare letters. So, to increase your chances of an upgrade, book a fare that earns Status Credits.
Flights are loaded with multiple fare buckets within one ticket category, which share the same benefits but are priced at different levels. Fare buckets impact the ticket prices that you see for sale.
Virgin Australia fares are not refundable in the event of a no-show. However, you may be entitled to a refund under the Guest Compensation Policy if Virgin Australia did not communicate any relevant flight changes to you.
